ok, it's about 5:45AM, I go out and start my 98 C280, press on the brakes and the dreaded "Brake Pad Indicator" light comes on!

Ok, I know NOTHING about MB brakes. I have read all the discussions about pad types and I currently have the nasty OEM pads. I go to Fastlane to see what prices I will have to deal with and they ask me for the chassis type. They list:

-A 487047
-F 576240
A 487048-
F 576241-

I thought my chassis type was 202.029?? How do I know which one it is?

Also, are there other parts I need to order before I start this job? I have done a few brake jobs on American cars, so I know some basics.

Also, when the brake pad light comes on, how long can I drive it before it becomes a serious problem? I need to wait until Saturday, if possible?

Kid

You have time to drive, especially until Saturday, normal driving. It's sort of like the low fuel warning on your gauge.

Have you looked at the pads? Are they thin?

__________________
Lawrence Coppari

2002 SLK32 AMG
2005 Acura TL
1987 328GTS
1986 944T

how many miles on vehicle?

PARTS:
1) pad wear sensor (maybe)
2) brake cleaner
3) old toothbrush or brake brush cleaning tool
4) Mercedes Benz backing plate grease
5) C-clamp or similar to press piston back into caliper
6) brake pads ( OEM are very good - but may not be the best for drivng desired)
7)new guide pin bolts ( these should come with OEM pads )
8) check brake fluid level in reservior - may need a turkey baster to siphon off excess

disc thickness minimum is 19.4mm, minimum before repair 20.4mm

Guide pin bolts torque to 18 lbf ft

wheel lug nut 81 lbf ft

The cars OEM tool kit should have a wrench that fits in narrow spaces if needed.

have your vin # handy if buying parts at dealer.

Thos chasis numbers from the parts catalog refer to the last digits in your VIN #.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Fantastic detail! Thanks so much. I am probably going to order here to make sure I get what I need.

I have no idea in the Dallas area where I could get pads. Anyone in Big D know where?

I am thinking of the Textar "yellow box" pads.

Curt

Doesn't seem to match anything on my VIN. Last numbers are: 579524


Curt

[QUOTE=Ethan]how many miles on vehicle?

It has about 103K on it.

Curt

So, you want this one: F 576241-
Since your VIN is HIGHER than F 576241.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

I always use Textar pads on my car. A lot of dust but great performance and decent service life. Ordering from fastlane above is a good reasonably priced source for the parts.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I have read that the "yellow box" Textar pads are a reasonable choice for price, performance and minor amounts of dust???

Curt

Thanks Manny! I see the logic now!

Curt

Does this car have different front and rear pads? Here is what Fastlane recommended for my VIN:579524

AAA-PBR N1010-113300

AAA-PBR N1010-54982

How much brake dust will these PBRs kick up? I have "OEM"s on there now and they are disgustingly filthy all the time. I am not a "performance" driver by any means, but I would like a good medium performance pad with low heat and minimal dust with maximum rotor life..... of course, I want it ALL! ha ha ha!

Curt

Well, I usually swear by Textar pads, but I wouldn't call them low dust. Maybe a little less dust than the OE compound, but still creates a fair amount of dust.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

103K miles, when were your brake disc last changed?

new disk replacement needs just three or so more bolts removed on each corner plus a little sanding - little banging on the rear brakes - maybe an emergency brake adjustment, some locktite and antiseize

also when you have the wheels off it is obviously a good time to clean the inside of the wheels.

[QUOTE=Ethan]103K miles, when were your brake disc last changed? /QUOTE]

I did the "dime test" and the front ones are getting close, the back ones are great.

Curt


UPDATE!

I ordered the front rotors!

ATE N1000-54976

Thanks guys! And many thanks to Phil at MercedesShop.com for all his help and recommendations! Those folks are great!